Looking back, Kay says there’s one piece of advice she’d give her younger self: enjoy life, travel when you can, and make the most of every opportunity. It’s advice that reflects the way she’s always lived – thoughtfully, purposefully, and with an eye to the future.

It’s also the same approach that led her and her husband to make the move to Oak Tree Retirement Village Dubbo.

For Kay, a former nurse, the decision wasn’t rushed. It was something they considered carefully over time. Through her work, she had seen what can happen when people wait too long – when health changes suddenly and families are left juggling appointments, long drives, and care responsibilities.

“That was never going to be us,” Kay explains. “When my husband turned 80, we decided it was time. And we couldn’t be happier with that decision.”

Taking time to find the right place

Kay and her husband did their research properly, visiting villages in Orange, Mudgee and Dubbo before finding exactly what they were looking for at Oak Tree Retirement Village Dubbo.

“One of our must-haves was a double garage,” she says. “And we even found that, which was a lovely surprise.”

More than anything, though, it was the overall feeling that mattered. They weren’t just looking for a place to live. They were looking for a place that felt right for the next stage of life, and Oak Tree ticked every box.

A life that’s still wonderfully full

These days, Kay’s life at Oak Tree is busy in all the best ways. She spends her time gardening, working on patchwork projects, playing cards, and staying involved with Probus. She keeps in touch with her long-time friends through regular coffee mornings, while also enjoying the new friendships she’s made in the village.

“I’ve got the best of both worlds,” she says. “I still see my old friends, and I’ve made wonderful new ones here too.”

There’s also time for simple pleasures like trips to the movies, catching up with family, and enjoying the rhythm of days that feel full without feeling rushed.

Changing perceptions

Like many people, Kay admits she once had a few assumptions about retirement living.

“People think that once you move into a village, you’ll be institutionalised, or that your home will feel like a little box,” she says. “But that’s not the reality at all.”

In fact, she’s noticed that friends who come to visit are often pleasantly surprised.

“They see it for themselves and realise straight away that it’s nothing like what they imagined.”

The comfort of feeling secure

When Kay talks about the best part of living at Oak Tree Retirement Village Dubbo, her answer comes easily.

“It’s the security,” she says. “And I don’t just mean the gates. I mean the security of being part of a caring community.”

There’s comfort in knowing that help is close by, whether it’s someone to change a lightbulb, mow the lawn, or simply check in if you’re not feeling well.

“You still live independently,” Kay explains. “But you’re never really on your own.”

For her and her husband, that balance has made all the difference. Moving to Oak Tree wasn’t about giving something up, it was about making life easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

Knowing when the time is right

Kay’s advice to anyone considering a move into a retirement village is simple and heartfelt.

“You have to be ready and know it’s right for you,” she says. “But when you do, don’t leave it too late. We came at the right time for us, and that’s why it’s worked so well.”

To find out more about what living looks like at Oak Tree Retirement Villages, visit oaktreegroup.com.au or call 1300 367 155.